The Argus in Brighton said that between 2 and 15 March this year the force did not disclose information on reported crimes including rapes, robberies, kidnappings, possession of firearms or other weapons, drugs trafficking and threats to kill.

According to reports, Brian Wilson - who is a former Labour minister - was dismissed after coming to the defence of another columnist, Donald Macleod, who was said to have been "effectively" fired following a controversial article.